Community orientated treatment compared to psychiatric hospital orientated treatment

One hundred and twenty patients presenting for admission to a state psychiatric hospital were randomly allocated into two groups. Control patients received standard hospital care and after-care. Experimental patients were not admitted if this could be avoided; instead they and their relatives were provided with comprehensive community treatment and a 24-hour crisis service. Patients with a primary diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependence, organic brain disorder or mental retardation were excluded. Most patients were suffering from psychotic disorders--more than half specifically from schizophrenia. During the 12 months study period 96% of the control patients were admitted--51% more than once. Of the experimental patients 60% were not admitted at all and only 8% were admitted more than once. Control patients spent an average of 53.5 days in psychiatric hospital, experimental patients spent an average of 8.4 days. Community treatment did not increase the burden upon the community, was considered to be significantly more satisfactory and helpful by patients and their relatives, achieved a clinically superior outcome, and cost less than standard care and after-care. The ingredients differentiating comprehensive community-based care from prevailing methods of psychiatric care are discussed.